The ZULF NMR ITN had two objectives. The first was the development of a new NMR modality by combining the developments in hyperpolarization and optical magnetometry. In this first context, such techniques as non-hydrogenative parahydrogen-induced polarization, dynamic nuclear polarization, and photochemically-induced dynamic nuclear polarization were used within the project. They allowed a significant increase in the nuclear-polarization level, enabling research previously impossible with ZULF NMR. In the context of magnetometry, a particular progress was made in nanomagnetometry. Using small ensembles of nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamonds or even a single center, NMR signals from single molecules were measured.
A specific example of new NMR capabilities, originating from the combination of hyperpolarization and optical magnetometry, was measurements of spectra of compounds yet uninvestigated under ZULF. Demonstration of the ability of measuring such compounds often led to the creation of a whole novel subfield of NMR. Specifically, spectroscopy of biorelevant molecules (sugars, aminoacids, urea) opened ZULF NMR for biological investigations. Another example of novel research demonstrated within the project is ultralow-field NMR relaxometry. This research allowed reaching a magnetic-field range earlier inaccessible to NMR and hence investigate spin dynamics under yet unexplored conditions. From a more practical perspective, it enabled detection of NMR silent molecules (e.g. glucose), hence opening ZULF NMR toward “medical” diagnostics (e.g. diabetes).
Spectacular examples of the research performed within the project are associated with studies of molecular dynamics. Specifically, real-time monitoring of hyperpolarized-fumarase activity was demonstrated, which opened the path to greatly accelerated preclinical studies using fumarate as a biomarker. Monitoring chemical reactions inside metallic enclosers was yet another example. Such measurements are impossible in conventional NMR and hence operation at ZULF enabled studies of reactions that required such conditions.
The second goal of the ZULF NMR ITN was to educate a group of young scientists in the field yet unavailable in the curriculum of any educational institution. This task was realized by organization of semi-annually weekly workshops, during which the ESRs interact with experts in NMR and magnetometry. Besides the academic lectures, the ESRs were trained in scientific communication and writing, presentations, or interviewing.
Another important aspect of the ZULF NMR project was the secondments. During the project, all ESRs worked in “foreign” laboratories. This exposed them to a different knowledge and working environment, significantly improving their intellectual and interpersonal skills. Due to the pandemic, some of the initially planned in-person secondments were converted into virtual ones, but these Skype/Zoom-based secondments proved to be efficient means of knowledge transfer.
The training of the ESRs also occurred through the dissemination of their results. A prime example of the activity was the organization of the 1st ZULF NMR conference, for which the ESRs prepared the program, invited speakers, and chaired sessions. The online conference turned to be a huge success with about 200 attendees and 15 talks.
The last aspect of the ESRs’ training was broad public dissemination of their research. For that, the website (www.zulf.eu) and blog (blog.zulf.eu) dedicated to ZULF NMR were created. In conjunction with ESR-prepared multinational entry on ZULF NMR at Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zero_field_NMR) this offers a good introduction into ZULF NMR basics as well as up-to-date information.
